Construction - Build, Appearance, Size

The X31 is an ultraportable notebook that manages to keep the same style possessed
by the entire IBM line; a style which has been present since at least the 486
notebook days. The system is classic IBM black with a small, three colored IBM
logo on the top. The notebook is opened via two sliding clips on the left and
right side of the system's front. Slide the clips in opposite direction and,
voila, a computer appears.

Opening up the IBM X31 reveals a 12.1" XGA (1024x768) screen, the only
type available on the entire X31 line. Although we have become somewhat spoiled
by the desktop replacement and full featured thin and light notebooks we have
reviewed, becoming more and more used to a large 14.1" or greater TFT LCD
panels on notebook computers, the 12.1" screen on the X31 was a perfect
fit. First off it does not seem physically possible to fit a screen larger on
the unit: it only measures 10.7" by 8.8" after all. Secondly, the
XGA resolution that the screen supports proved to be ideal. Whereas we have
complained in the past about 14.1" and larger screen supporting only XGA
resolutions, 1024x768 looks just right on a 12.1" screen.

Another aspect of the X31 that IBM got just right (for the most part) on the
X31 is the keyboard. Moving to an ultraportable machine often means lots of
sacrifices have to be made. One area that the typical ultraportable system is
severely lacking in is keyboard functionality. Ultraportable keyboards are often
less than full sized, have a limited number of keys, and have very little tactile
feedback. In contrast to this, the keyboard on the IBM X31 came about as close
to a desktop keyboard that we have seen. Although physically smaller than the
keyboard on the IBM
T40 system, the X31's keyboard feels remarkably like the keyboard we raved
about on the T40. The left side of the X31's keyboard is where the space was
cut from in order to make the keyboard fit in the ultraportable system ye the
keys still remained comfortable and quite usable. Tactile feedback was great
thanks to plenty of key travel. The keyboard even features dedicated arrow keys:
something rarely seen on ultraportable systems.

Again missing from the keyboard is a Windows key. IBM tells us that the absence
of Windows key is a result of internal ergonomic and usability studies which
determined that putting a Windows key on a keyboard alters the normal typing
pattern and makes the unit less ambidextrous. Don't tell that to desktop keyboard
manufacturers.

The X31 also incorporates the keyboard light we first saw on the T40. The keyboard
is illuminated in dark situations via a small white LED that lies on the top
left of the LCD panel. This picture from our T40 review should give you an idea
of the LED's function.

Mouse input on the X31 is provided by IBM's TrackPoint device. Love it or hate
it, there was really no other way for IBM to get mouse input on a unit this
small with such a large keyboard. Personally we are fans of the TrackPoint,
especially considering that the unit now ships with three different types of
TrackPoint caps: the "soft dome," "soft rim," and "classic
dome."

The mouse buttons are located below the space bar and, like the keyboard, have
great tactile feedback. In addition to the standard right and left mouse buttons,
the X31 also has a scroll button that when pressed allows the TrackPoint to
act as a scrolling device.

The top of the keyboard is home to a set of five function buttons, the same
set present on the T40 series notebooks. The far right button, the one with
a white dot in it, is the power button. To the left we have a mute button, a
volume up and a volume down button. Finally there is an "Access IBM button"
which launches a "Access IBM" application when pressed. As the software
section of this review will tell you, the Access IBM application provides one
touch access to computer settings and support options.

Between the power button and the mute button are four status LEDs. These LEDs
indicate: hard drive activity, number lock status, caps lock status, and power
state. Also in this block of LEDs is a small hole beneath which the internal
microphone lies. This should prove to be a good location for the microphone,
out of the way of hands and far enough from the keyboard to prevent unwanted
noise.

Another set of status LEDs are present on the bottom of the LCD panel. Our
IBM X31 had four LEDs in this location: one indicating Bluetooth receiver status
(blue while enabled), one for wireless receiver status (green while enabled),
one for battery state (orange while low, green while high), and one for sleep
state (green while the system is in sleep). These LEDs are accompanied by a
similar set of LEDs on the back of the LCD panel which show the same information
with the exception of the wireless status.

Post Your Comment

8 Comments

I currently have a Dell x300. I have had a problem with a spot appearing on the LCD. I have already had the screen replaced once soon to be again. I have heard that the X31 is more durable than the Dell. Can anyone out there that has the X31 speak to this? Specifically, I am interested in the durablity of the screen as it pertains to being able to carry it on trips without the slightest bit of pressure causing problems with the screen. Thanks.Reply

I own an X31. You can boot from any USB device. The option is presented in BIOS.

A note about the USB 2.0. Each Thinkpad model line (X31, T40, etc) has many options available. Some are standard on specific model numbers, others are not. Read the specs in full and ask questions before you make a $1200+ investment and you should be fine.Reply

I purchased an X31 and the models they are currently seelling through their express program DO NOT come with USB 2.0! You have to be aware of what model series you are getting. I am very annoyed by this. Especially as I was going to purchase an external USB2 optical drive. Anandtech should investigate this! Reply

I'm thinking about getting an X31 myself, and I have a similar concern, especially as regards getting Linux on the machine. The results of a google search on 'usb boot x31' seem to indicate it can boot from *any* USB storage device, including memory keys!Reply

i'm considering purchasing the x31. however I've always had a laptop that has an internal optical drive. the x31 does not. how does one restore windows? is any USB 2.0 external optical drive bootable? thanks.Reply

I just purchased a used X31, It has all of the speed and durdability and the screen does have a great pretection line. I have not suffered from any mouse dents in the screen or on the edges, if thats what you need to know.

Me, personally would rather have a mouse pad instead of the mouse button but I guess thats what makes the X31 model more durable during trips, the little mouse button does not make contact with the screen.Reply